Are you up to date with recent changes to the Consumer Contracts Regulations…
The introduction of the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 includes major changes in the law relating to consumer protection. They now apply to consumer contracts made on-premises (through retail stores), made at a distance (including online sales) and off-premises (e.g. in-home sales). Firms will need to review their processes and change […]
Applications to the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund close
Due to overwhelming popular demand, the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund is closed for applications with immediate effect. A surge in applications over the last two days means the allocated budget has now been reached. All applications received prior to the fund closing that satisfy the terms and conditions and meet the eligibility criteria will […]
Looking for some practical assistance with your FCA Authorisation application?
What assistance with your FCA Authorisation is available? Direct from the FCA The FCA have published a number of guides to help with completing your online application. From this webpage you can find links to guidance notes and sample forms http://www.fca.org.uk/firms/firm-types/consumer-credit/authorisation. You can also telephone the FCA with your queries too, all contact information can be found […]
How to ensure your credit promotions are compliant…
What is a ‘promotion’? The term promotion covers a wide range of marketing and advertising. It includes websites, sales brochures, adverts in a magazines or newspapers, direct mail flyers – basically, it is anything seen, heard or read by customers that’s designed to influence or encourage them to reach a purchasing decision. You can’t rely […]
Mis-selling! Don’t be caught out by your advertising
There’s been a number of stories in the recent news about Green Deal providers and renewable energy companies that have fallen foul of advertising regulations. Mostly it’s because their claims for energy efficiency or financial savings haven’t been clear. Mis-selling can range from deliberately misleading advertising messages through to negligence and missing out key information […]
Appointed Representatives: How it works for businesses
What’s an FCA Appointed Representative (AR)? The FCA’s website states that “an appointed representative is a person or firm who conducts regulated activities and acts as an agent for a firm directly authorised by the FCA.” The directly authorised firm is known as the appointed representative’s ‘principal’. How does the AR / Principal Relationship Work? […]
G14 Awards now open for submissions from Glass & Glazing Companies
If you’re an exceptional Glass & Glazing Company then why not shout about it and enter this year’s G14 Awards? The G14 Awards celebrate and reward standards of excellence from across the UK industry. It’s a great opportunity for your business too – entering, being short-listed and, of course, winning awards is always a fantastic PR opportunity. It’s […]
FCA compliance is a top priority for the CCS Team
by Andy Wallace I’m often asked, why CCS isn’t FCA authorised? Quite simply, the FCA don’t need us to be. Only businesses in direct contact with the end-customer have to hold authorisation, and we, of course, provide a business-to-business service. This decision has, of course, been fully supported by our panel of lenders, including market-leading […]
On the road with Barrie Williams
by Barrie Williams A lot’s changed since I first started in the consumer credit sector over 35 years ago, but one thing’s still the same – lots of early morning starts! I’m always up and out of the house at the crack of dawn in order to fit in three or four meetings each day […]
Bathroom Manufacturers Association appoint new president
The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) has appointed David Osborne as its new president. The appointment was announced at the BMA’s annual general meeting held on the 24 June in London Mr Osborne is the former chair of the BMA’s Centre of Excellence Group and marketing committee, and is following in his father’s footsteps. Gerry Osborne was the BMA’s first […]